Can you resist having a browse through Duty Free pre-holiday? I know that I for one most definitely can’t! As I was travelling en famille I knew time would be tight so, like the beauty junkie that I am, I did a little research ahead of time for the goodies I should purchase.
Tom Ford. No, Tom was not on my list but I was seduced by the rows of smoky glass bottles and gilded make-up packaging that are pure elegance. The heady scent of Jasmine Rouge eau de parfum was calling to me but the £140 price tag did make me think twice, restrain myself and stick to the list.
Back to reality. First stop was Lancôme for their Bi-Facil eye makeup remover and the classic Hypnose mascara. I am always on the hunt for a gentle but effective eye makeup remover. I have extremely sensitive eyes, am a contact lens wearer and need a product with the strength to remove eye makeup that is applied for longevity! Definitely not an easy brief. The Bi-Facil is extremely gentle which means no stinging and streaming eyes. As it is quite emollient, it's not abrasive and ensures that the eye area is not dragged. For the everyday wearer of makeup it will definitely do the trick in 2 to 3 splashes onto a cotton pad. I like to wear waterproof mascara and its takes around 3 /4 splashes of the cleanser to really lift the mascara. The bottle design ensures you only get droplets out, which is great because as it’s not cheap its best to be economical. It is an extremely effective cleanser. Would I repurchase? Most likely, I assume that the bottle will last me 3-4 months and as it’s not harsh, I would rather spend the money and save my lashes rather than dragging and rubbing to get the day's eye make up off.
Luxury – 9/10
Price - £21 (ouch!)
Effectiveness 9/10
I was on the lookout for a new mascara. I purchase a new mascara at least every 2/3 months, from high street brands to luxury ones. I am a big fan of the Diorshow mascaras, they create voluptuous lashes without the clump and the black is very black. However, I fancied a change and Lancôme are famous for their mascaras so I thought I would try one out after a few years of experimenting. I chose the classic Hypnose waterproof in black. I have to say that I am in love with this mascara! It glides on and the brush really gets to the root of the lashes, even the tiny ones. It’s an intense black so even on my dark lashes it creates a real false lash effect. The brush is quite thin and the bristles are evenly distributed so on my lashes it gives more curl, especially on the outer lashes. You can build up layer on layer and it will not clump and result in spidery lashes. I usually apply two coats for an evening look and it doesn’t flake or smudge which is the holy grail of mascaras. This is the reason that Lancôme are the company that the rest imitate when it comes to mascaras. Will I be repurchasing? Yes, now a staple in my professional kit.
Luxury - 8/10
Price - £22.50
Effectiveness - 9/10
My final stop was at Dior to take a look at their Glow Maximiser – Light Boosting Primer. I have various light boosting products in my kit, from the classic Strobe Cream by MAC to one of my favourite’s Benefit’s High Beam. Dior’s offering however is something of a hybrid product and can be used as a primer or a highlighter. Firstly, please let me explain that this is not your average highlighter/primer. The silky luminous liquid is very luxurious, however use it sparingly, a pea sized amount will suffice, a little goes a long way otherwise Edward Cullen standing in the sunlight comes to mind! I used this on holiday as a highlighter applying strategically on the cheekbones, brow bone etc, it gave a lovely radiance to the skin without any silicone heaviness. Now that I am back in the grey, my skin could definitely do with a lift. Mixed with a liquid foundation (Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is a match made in heaven) it really does give an ethereal glow with no iridescence, I predominantly use it on my cheeks and on the t-zone I stick to the high points. This product is great for when your skin needs a pick me up and a "lit from within" glow. I can see this is going to be a firm favourite especially in the upcoming winter months.
Luxury - 8/10
Price - £28.50
Effectiveness - 8/10